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Aer Lingus flight attendant sacked over passenger bathroom access row opts not to testify
Summary
A senior Aer Lingus flight attendant, Alan O'Neill, who was sacked for refusing to allow a passenger to use the bathroom for 45 minutes, has opted not to testify in his unfair dismissal claim. His legal team argued that the case had already been proven by the airline's own evidence. The incident occurred during a delayed flight from Marseilles to Dublin in April 2024, where the passenger was reduced to tears. The airline's barrister, Tom Mallon BL, argued that the tribunal should dismiss the case as O'Neill refused to testify. The airline's internal investigation found that O'Neill had submitted an inaccurate report, leading to the dismissal. O'Neill's legal team challenged the airline's handling of the disciplinary process, while the airline defended its actions. The case is now pending a decision from the adjudication officer, with the airline arguing that the dismissal was fair.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Aer Lingus flight attendant sacked over passenger bathroom access row opts not to testify. Procedural stage: hearing_or_decision
When:
- April 2024 Incident
- 2026-05-07 Publication
Why: The disciplinary process was "fruit of the poison tree" because the investigator had made a finding of fact on an allegation never put to Mr O'Neill, Mr Murray submitted. CNI source report
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